The Bible contains a rich tapestry of stories and themes that intersect with various aspects of human knowledge and creativity. In addition to its historical anecdotes, spiritual testimonies, and moral guidance, there is a prevalence of STEM in the Bible.
That’s right, the Bible and science are not mutually exclusive!
Indeed, the Bible contains numerous examples of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) throughout the Old and New Testament books from Genesis to Revelation. No wonder some people have called the Bible the very first textbook!
Here are some notable examples of STEM in the Bible:
Architecture and Engineering
- The construction of Noah’s Ark (Genesis 6:14-16) required careful planning, measurements, and advanced engineering principles.
- The detailed instructions for building the Tabernacle (Exodus 25-27) and later the Temple in Jerusalem (1 Kings 6) involved architectural design, engineering skills, and craftsmanship including intricate designs and decorations (Exodus 31:1-5).
- The construction of wells, aqueducts and cisterns for water storage and distribution, as seen in various Old Testament cities.
Astronomy and Cosmology
- The poetic descriptions of the heavens in Psalms (e.g., Psalm 19:1) reflect an appreciation for the natural world and its Creator.
- The star that guided the Magi to Jesus (Matthew 2:1-12) is a fascinating celestial reference.
- The Bible references the stars and constellations, such as in Job 9:9, which mentions the constellations of Orion and the Pleiades.
Mathematics and Geometry
- The precise measurements for constructing the Ark (Genesis 6:15) and the Tabernacle (Exodus 25-27) indicate a strong understanding of geometry and mathematics.
- The use of numbers (such as the 40 days of rain during the Flood) carries symbolic significance.
- You’ve heard that the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness for 40 years, right? The book of Numbers tells that story.
- Three measures of barley will be sold for a “penny,” the equivalent of one day’s wages, in famine pricing during the Great Tribulation period (Revelation 6:6).
- Seven is by far the most frequent cardinal numeral in the book of Revelation.
Biology
- Genesis 1 describes the creation of various forms of life, highlighting an understanding of different species and their roles.
Botany and Agriculture
- Parables like the sower and the seed (Matthew 13:1-23) draw on agricultural imagery.
- References to vineyards, fig trees, and mustard seeds provide glimpses into ancient farming practices.
Medicine and Healing
- Jesus’ healing miracles (e.g., curing the blind, the lame, and the lepers) demonstrate compassion for the sick and infirm.
- The Good Samaritan story (Luke 10:25-37) emphasizes care for the wounded.
Natural Phenomena
- The parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14) and other miraculous events involve natural elements (wind, water, fire).
- The plagues in Egypt (Exodus 7-12) have ecological implications.
Tools and Technology
- Early forms of technology are evident in the tools used for agriculture and construction, such as plows, hammers, and chisels (Genesis 4:22).
- Ancient record-keeping included the use of scrolls and tablets for recording laws, genealogies, and historical events (Exodus 31:18).
These examples illustrate how STEM elements are woven throughout the Biblical narrative, reflecting the ingenuity and creativity of the people during those times.
